Overview:
The San Giorgio race on Legnano part of the exclusive International World Athletics Gold circuit. The event has a rich history having been organized since 1957.
69th Campaccio Cross Country:
Men (10KM):
- Gold: Egide Ntakarutimana (Burundi) – 30:38
- Silver: Dolphine Chelimo (Uganda) – 30:45
- Bronze: Celestine Ndikumana (Burundi) – 30:45
Women (6KM):
- Gold: Nadia Battocletti (Italy) – 21:10
- Silver: Francine Niyomukunzi (Burundi) – 21:32
- Bronze: Elvanie Nimbona (Burundi) – 21:33
Uganda’s Dolphine Chelimo finished second to scoop silver during the 69th Campaccio Cross Country in San Giorgio – Su Legnano in Italy.
Chelimo clocked 30 minutes and 45 seconds to come behind the winner, Egide Ntakarutimana from Burundi, who crossed the finishing line with a time of 30:38.
Another Burundian, Celestine Ndikumana, finished third with 30:45 in the 10KM run.
The men’s 10km race was contested over five laps. It remained tightly packed through the early stages before the decisive moves came in the closing kilometres.
Burundian duo of Ndikumana and Ntakarutimana, along with Uganda’s Chelimo, formed a leading trio from the fourth lap.
Much to the delight of the home crowd, Italy’s Luca Alfieri maintained contact with the leaders for much of the race.
At the start of the final lap, Ndikumana and Ntakarutimana began to assert themselves, gradually dropping Chelimo.
Midway through the lap, Ntakarutimana launched a powerful solo attack and continued to increase his advantage, crossing the line first in 30:38.
Chelimo recovered strongly in the closing stages to claim second in 30:45, narrowly ahead of 2025 runner-up Ndikumana, who finished third in the same time.
Alfieri rallied late to finish sixth.
“I’m very happy with how I ran today,” said Ntakarutimana, who was 10th here last year and fourth in 2024.
“After some ups and downs, I’ve regained confidence and form thanks to my training group. I’ll continue with the cross-country season and try to keep representing my club at my best.”
The female race was run over 6KM with Italian Nadia Battocletti coming top with a time of 21:10.
Burundian Francine Niyomukunzi (21:32) was second, whilst another Burundian runner, Elvanie Nimbona (21:33), finished third.
The San Giorgio race in Legnano is part of the exclusive International World Athletics Gold circuit.
The event has a rich history, having been organised since 1957.
Jacob Kiplimo is the only Ugandan to have won this event in 2021.
